Martin Cranie says both he and Huddersfield Town are up for the Cup.
The versatile defender was an unused substitute in the original third-round tie with Reading at the John Smith’s Stadium, which finished 2-2.
He came off the bench during the 5-0 home Championship win over Charlton Athletic a week ago.
And as David Wagner continued his squad rotation system, the 29-year-old started Saturday’s 1-1 home league draw against Fulham.
Cranie has now played 25 times (20 starts) since signing from Barnsley during the close-season.
After impressing on trial under Chris Powell, he was handed a one-year contract with a further 12-month option in the club’s favour.
Cranie has also caught the eye of Wagner, and says he is enjoying playing under the German head coach appointed in November.
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“It’s all good because he communicates so well with the players,” explained Cranie, who played in Town’s 2-2 league draw at Reading earlier this season.
“We are now aware of his training methods and the squad rotation so you know not to think you’ve been dropped and not know why.”
Yeovil-born ex-Southampton, Portsmouth and Coventry City man Cranie says all the players appreciate Wagner’s honesty.
“I think it’s good that we have such an open manager because otherwise you sit and wonder why you’re not in the side,” he added.
“He’s said he likes the rotation system, everyone is going to be involved at some point, and that means everyone has got a chance to play.”
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Town and Reading are bidding to clinch a home fourth-round tie against Walsall.
Cranie thinks Town are unfortunate not to be through already, even though they needed a stoppage-time penalty by Nahki Wells to stay in the competition.
“I think we were very unlucky not to have got through at the first attempt,” he said.
“Everyone who saw the game would have seen the different reasons as to why we didn’t go through.
“We’ll go down there and give a good account of ourselves and hopefully complete the job.”
After Reading comes Saturday’s league game at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Flying to both matches will help the players avoid additional fatigue.
“We’re all used to the long away trips now,” continued Cranie.
“It will be just be another Tuesday night game.
“We have some good momentum at the moment and this is a chance to keep it going.”
Reading are two places above Town in the Championship in 14th position.
Brian McDermott’s side went down 1-0 at MK Dons on Saturday and haven’t won in their last three matches.
